KR20240034716A - Connector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The connector assembly has a simple structure and can be easily and reliably attached to the surface of the board, and high airtightness or watertightness is reliably maintained, thereby improving reliability.
The connector assembly includes a connector body, a terminal attached to the connector body, and a reinforcing metal fitting attached to the connector body, and a connector attached to the surface of the substrate. and a pair of parallel first walls extending in the longitudinal direction of the connector body, a pair of parallel second walls extending in the width direction of the connector body and connected to opposite ends of each of the pair of first walls, and The four sides of the perimeter include an opening defined by the first wall and the second wall and include a protective member attachable to the surface of the substrate with the connector received within the opening. The protection member is disposed on the surface of the substrate while being engaged with the connector while the connector is received within the opening.

Description

Connector assembly {CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY}

[One] The present invention relates to connector assemblies.

[2] Connectors such as board-to-board connectors are used to electrically connect a pair of parallel circuit boards to each other. Such connectors are attached to each of the opposing surfaces of a pair of circuit boards and fit together to ensure electrical conduction. A technique has been proposed to provide a protective member surrounding the periphery of the connector to prevent water or dust from entering the connector (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[3] Figure 22 is a perspective view showing a known connector assembly.

[4] In Figure 22, receptacle connector 801 is one of a pair of board-to-board connectors and is mounted on the surface of a first substrate (not shown). The receptacle connector 801 includes a housing 811 made of resin or the like and a plurality of metal terminals 861 mounted on the housing 811.

[5] The protection member 891 is a frame member, which has a frame shape in plan view and is made of resin or the like. The protective member 891 includes an opening portion 895 in which the receptacle connector 801 is received. The tip of the protrusion 892 protruding toward the inside of the opening portion 895 abuts the outer wall surface of the housing 811. The lower attachment surface 893 of the protective member 891 abuts the surface of the first substrate.

[6] In this state, the other of the pair of board-to-board connectors, a plug connector (not shown), is mounted on the surface of the second board (not shown) while fitting within the receptacle connector 801. . In this case, the plug connector is inserted into the opening portion 895 from above in the figure and fits into the receptacle connector 801 of the opening portion 895, and the surface of the second substrate is aligned with the upper attachment surface of the protective member 891. It touches (894). As a result, the peripheral portion of the receptacle connector 801 fitted within the plug connector is surrounded by the protective member 891, and the lower attachment surface 893 and the upper attachment surface 894 of the protective member 891 are formed by opposing By contacting the surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate, water or dust is prevented from entering the inside of the board-to-board connector from the surroundings.

[Prior art literature]

[Patent Document]

[7] Patent Document 1: WO 2018/163546

[8] However, in the known connector assembly, the lower attachment surface 893 and the upper attachment surface 894 of the protective member 891 are only pressed against the surface of the substrate and come into intimate contact with the surface of the substrate, such that the lower attachment surface 893 ) and the airtightness or watertightness between the upper attachment surface 894 and the surfaces of the substrate is not necessarily sufficient, and sometimes water or dust leaks between the lower attachment surface 893 and the upper attachment surface 894 and the surfaces of the substrate. It invades the board-to-board connector.

[9] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problems of known connector assemblies and provide a highly reliable connector assembly that has a simple configuration, can be easily and reliably attached to the surface of a substrate, and can improve reliability by maintaining high airtightness or watertightness. It is done.

[10] According to one aspect of the present invention, the connector assembly includes:

A connector comprising a connector body, a terminal attached to the connector body, and a reinforcing metal fitting attached to the connector body, and attached to the surface of the substrate; and a pair of parallel first walls extending in the longitudinal direction of the connector body, a pair of parallel second walls extending in the width direction of the connector body and connected to opposite ends of each of the pair of first walls, and The four sides of the perimeter include a receiving unit defined by a first wall and a second wall, and include a protective member attachable to the surface of the substrate with the connector received within the receiving unit. The protection member is disposed on the surface of the substrate while engaging with the connector while the connector is accommodated in the receiving unit.

[11] In the connector assembly, the protective member preferably includes a protective member body made of an insulating material, and a protective metal fitting made of a conductive metal formed integrally with the protective member body.

[12] In the connector assembly, the protective member preferably includes a hot-melt unit formed of a hot-melt material and a substrate-side surface opposite to the surface of the substrate, with at least a portion of the hot-melt unit exposed to the substrate-side surface.

[13] In the connector assembly, preferably, the protective member includes a protrusion exposed to the inner surface of the receiving unit, and the protrusion engages the connector body to couple the connector and the protective member to each other.

[14] Preferably, the connector assembly further includes an interposing member sandwiched between the connector and the protective member. The intervening member couples the connector and the protective member to each other while maintaining a constant positional relationship between the connector and the protective member.

[15] In the connector assembly, preferably, the intervening member includes a main body, a protection member mounting arm extending from the main body, and a connector mounting arm, the protection member mounting arm includes a coupling unit engaging the protection member, and the connector mounting arm includes Includes a holder for holding the reinforcing metal fitting.

[16] According to another aspect of the invention, a connector pair includes: a connector assembly; and an opposing connector fitted within the connector.

[17] In a pair of connectors, preferably, the opposite connector is fitted into the connector with the connector and the protection member coupled to each other and placed on the surface of the substrate and then fixed to the surface of the substrate.

[18] According to the present invention, although the connector assembly has a simple structure, the connector assembly can be easily and reliably attached to the surface of the substrate, and high airtightness or watertightness can be reliably maintained to improve reliability.

[19] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the first connector and the second connector fitted with each other in Embodiment 1, when the first connector and the second connector are viewed from the second connector side.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the first connector and the second connector fitted together in Embodiment 1, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first connector and a second connector mounted on substrates in Example 1, where FIG. 3A is a view showing the first connector mounted on the substrate, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the first connector mounted on the substrate. This is a diagram showing the second connector.
Figure 4 is an exploded view showing the first connector of Example 1.
Figure 5 is an exploded view showing the second connector of Example 1.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the protection member of Example 1, where FIG. 6A is a view showing the protection member viewed obliquely from above, and FIG. 6B is a view showing the protection member viewed obliquely from below.
Figure 7 is an exploded view showing the protection member of Example 1.
Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the protection member is temporarily held by the first connector of Example 1.
FIG. 9 is a three-plane view showing a state in which the protection member is temporarily mounted in the first connector of Embodiment 1, where FIG. 9A is a plan view, FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9c is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 9a.
FIG. 10 is a four-plane view showing the intervening member of Example 1, where FIG. 10A is a top view, FIG. 10B is a side view, FIG. 10C is a rear view, and FIG. 10D is a perspective view.
Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a protection member according to Example 2.
Figure 12 is an exploded view showing the protection member of Example 2.
FIG. 13 is a four-plane view showing the protection member of Example 2, where FIG. 13A is a top view, FIG. 13B is a side view, FIG. 13C is a bottom view, and FIG. 13D is a rear view.
Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the protection member is temporarily held by the first connector of Example 2.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector and the second connector fitted with each other in Example 2, and is a cross-sectional view showing the same portion as FIG. 2.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a first connector and a second connector mounted on a board in Example 3, where FIG. 16a is a view showing a second connector mounted on a board, and FIG. 16b is a diagram showing a first connector mounted on a board. This is a diagram showing the first connector.
Figure 17 is an exploded view showing the first connector of Example 3.
Figure 18 is an exploded view showing the second connector of Example 3.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the protection member of Example 3, where FIG. 19A is a view showing the protection member viewed obliquely from above, and FIG. 19B is a view showing the protection member viewed obliquely from below.
Fig. 20 is an exploded view showing the protection member of Example 3.
FIG. 21 is a two-plane view showing a state in which the protection member is temporarily held by the second connector of Example 3, where FIG. 21A is a plan view and FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 21A.
Figure 22 is a perspective view showing a known connector assembly.

[20] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[21] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first connector and a second connector fitted with each other in Embodiment 1 when the first connector and a second connector are viewed from the second connector side, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first connector and a second connector fitted with each other in Embodiment 1. is a cross-sectional view showing a first connector and a second connector, taken along line A-A in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a first connector and a second connector mounted on substrates in Example 1; 4 is an exploded view showing the first connector of Embodiment 1, FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the second connector of Embodiment 1, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the protection member of Embodiment 1, and FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing the second connector of Embodiment 1. It is an exploded view showing the protection member of Example 1, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the protection member is temporarily mounted by the first connector of Example 1, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the protection member showing the first connector of Example 1. It is a three-plane drawing showing the state of being temporarily placed inside, and FIG. 10 is a four-plan drawing showing the intervening member of Example 1. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a first connector mounted on a board, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a second connector mounted on a board. FIG. 6A is a view showing the protection member viewed obliquely from above, and FIG. 6B is a view showing the protection member viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 9A is a top view, FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 9A. FIG. 10A is a top view, FIG. 10B is a side view, FIG. 10C is a rear view, and FIG. 10D is a perspective view.

[22] In the drawing, the first connector 1 is the connector of Embodiment 1 and is one of a pair of board-to-board connectors, which are a connector pair. The first connector 1 is a surface-mounted connector mounted as a mounting member on the surface of the first substrate 98, which is a substrate, and is fitted into the second connector 101, which is the opposite connector of the connector pair. The second connector 101 is the other one of a pair of board-to-board connectors, and is a surface-mounted connector mounted on the surface of the second board 198, which is a board, as a mounting member, and is the opposite connector of the connector pair. It is fitted into the first connector (1). As shown in FIG. 3A, a protective member 91, which is a frame member having a frame shape in plan view, is attached to the surface of the first substrate 98, and the first connector 1 is a receiving unit of the protective member 91. While accommodated within 97, it is attached to the surface of the first substrate 98 and mounted on the surface. 1 and 2, when the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted together, the second connector 101 is also within the receiving unit 97 of the protective member 91. It is received, and the protection member 91 surrounds the peripheral portions of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 fitted with each other. It should be noted that first substrate 98 and second substrate 198 are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[23] The first connector 1 and the second connector 101 of Embodiment 1 are preferably used as a substrate to electrically connect the first substrate 98 and the second substrate 198, and to electrically connect other members. It can also be used to For example, first substrate 98 and second substrate 198 are printed circuit boards, flexible flat cable (FFC), and flexible circuit boards (FPC) used in electronic devices, but may be any type of substrate. It can be.

[24] In Embodiment 1, the top, bottom, left, right, front, rear used to describe the configuration and operation of each unit of the first connector 1, the second connector 101, the protection member 91, etc. Expressions indicating direction, such as the like, are relative rather than absolute, and are appropriate when each unit, such as the first connector 1, the second connector 101, and the protective member 91, is in the position shown in the drawing, but the posture If changes, it must be changed and interpreted according to the change in location.

[25] The first connector 1 is a so-called plug connector type and includes a first housing 11 as a connector body integrally formed using an insulating material such as synthetic resin. As shown in the figure, the first housing 11 has a substantially rectangular thick plate-like shape that is substantially rectangular. On the side fitted into the second connector 101 of the first housing 11, i.e. on the fitting surface 11a side (positive Z-axis direction side), there is a longitudinal (X-axis) side of the first housing 11. The first protrusion 12 is formed integrally with a long recess groove 13 extending in the opposite direction and a long protrusion defining the outside of the recess groove 13 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11. . The first protrusions 12 are formed along both sides of the recess groove 13 and along both sides of the first housing 11 . For example, the first connector 1 has dimensions of approximately 5.2 mm in length, approximately 1.9 mm in width, and approximately 0.5 mm in thickness. However, the dimensions may be changed appropriately.

[26] As a terminal, the first terminal 61 is attached to each of the first protrusions 12. A plurality (eg, ten) of first terminals 61 are formed at a predetermined pitch (eg, about 0.35 mm). The pitch and number of first terminals 61 may be appropriately changed. In the recess groove 13, the side mounted on the first substrate 98, that is, the side of the mounting surface 11b (the side in the negative Z-axis direction), is closed by the lower plate.

[27] As a fitting guide, a first protruding end 22 is disposed on each of both longitudinal sides of the first housing 11 . The first protruding end 22 is a thick member extending in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the first housing 11, and both ends of the first protruding end 22 extend in the longitudinal direction of the first protruding end 12. Connected to both ends, the upper surface of the first protruding end 22 has a substantially rectangular shape. In a state where the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted with each other, the first protruding end 22 is connected to the fitting recess 122 of the second protruding end 121 included in the second connector 101. ) It functions as an insertion protrusion that is inserted into the inside. A first reinforcing metal fitting 51, which is a reinforcing metal fitting, is attached to the first protruding end 22.

[28] The first terminal 61 and the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 may be mounted in a press-fitted state within the first housing 11 . However, in this case, the first terminal 61 and the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 will be described as members integrated with the first housing 11 by overmolding (insertion molding). Accordingly, the first terminal 61 and the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 do not exist apart from the first housing 11, but for convenience, in FIG. 4, the first terminal 61 and the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 ) is shown away from the first housing 11.

[29] The first terminal 61 is a member formed integrally by performing processing such as punching and bending on a conductive metal plate, and the first contact unit 65, a connection unit connected to the upper end of the first contact unit 65 (64), a second contact unit (66) connected to the outer end of the connection unit (64), and a tail (62) connected to the lower end of the second contact unit (66). The tail portion 62 extends outwardly of the first housing 11 and is connected to a connection pad that is bonded to a conductive trace of the first substrate 98, such as by soldering. Conductive traces are typically signal lines. Additionally, the surfaces of the first contact unit 65 , the connecting unit 64 and the second contact unit 66 are exposed to the respective side surfaces of the first protrusion 12 and the fitting surface 11a. On the side of the second contact unit 66 within the connection unit 64, a protruding portion 64b protruding outward in the width direction of the first housing 11 is formed at the boundary with the second contact unit 66.

[30] The first reinforcing metal fitting 51 is a member formed integrally by performing processing such as punching or bending on a metal plate, and includes a center cover 57 and a center cover ( 57) and a side cover 53 connected to both the left and right ends.

[31] The center cover 57 is a protruding end upper cover 57a that extends in the width direction of the first housing 11 and covers most of the upper surface of the first protruding end 22, when bent by about 90 degrees. A connecting cover 57b connected to the outer end edge of the first protruding end 22 in the protruding end upper cover 57a, and bent and connected to the lower end of the connecting cover 57b in the front-back direction (X-axis direction). , that is, it includes a tail portion 57c extending outward in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 11. The tail portion 57c is connected to a connection pad bonded to a conductive trace of the first substrate 98, such as by soldering. Conductive traces are typically power lines or ground lines. The lower end of the side cover 53 is similarly connected to the connection pad of the second board 98 by soldering or the like.

[32] The second connector 101 is a so-called receptacle connector type and includes a second housing 111 as a connector body integrally formed using an insulating material such as synthetic resin. As shown in the figure, the second housing 111 has a substantially rectangular thick plate-like shape, which is substantially a rectangular parallelepiped, on the side into which the first connector 1 is fitted, i.e. on the fitting surface 111a side (negative on the Z-axis direction side), a substantially rectangular recess 112 is formed which fits into the first housing 11 of the first connector 1 and is circumscribed at the periphery. For example, the second connector 101 has a length of about 6.0 mm (size in the X-axis direction), a width of about 2.0 mm (size in the Y-axis direction), and a thickness of about 0.6 mm (Z- It has dimensions of (size in the axial direction). However, the dimensions may be changed appropriately.

[33] A second protrusion 113 is formed integrally with the second housing 111 in the recess 112 as an islet fitted in the recess groove 13 of the first connector 1, and the second protrusion Side walls 114 extending parallel to 113 are formed integrally with the second housing 111 on both sides (positive Y-axis direction side and negative Y-axis direction side) of the second protrusion 113. . The second protrusion 113 and side wall 114 project upwardly (in the negative Z-axis direction) from the bottom plate 118 defining the lower surface of the recess 112 and extend longitudinally of the second housing 111. It extends in the direction (X-axis direction). As a result, recess grooves 112a, which are long recesses extending in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111, are formed as part of the recesses 112 on both sides of the second protrusions 113.

[34] A second terminal receiving inner cavity 115a having a recessed groove shape is formed on the side surfaces on both sides of the second protrusion 113. A second terminal receiving outer cavity 115b having a recess groove shape is formed on the inner side surface of the side wall 114. The second terminal receiving inner cavity 115a and the second terminal receiving outer cavity 115b are joined to each other at the lower surface of the recess groove 112a and are integrated with each other, so that the second terminal receiving inner cavity 115a and the second terminal receiving inner cavity 115a are integrated with each other. The terminal receiving outer cavity 115b is described as the second terminal receiving cavity 115 when collectively described. The second terminal receiving cavity 115 is formed to penetrate the lower plate 118 in the plate thickness direction (Z-axis direction).

[35] In Embodiment 1, the second terminal receiving cavity 115 is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111 and is formed on both sides of the second housing 111 in the width direction (Y-axis direction). Specifically, a plurality of (eg, ten) second terminal receiving cavities 115 are formed on both sides of the second protrusion 113 at a predetermined pitch (eg, about 0.35 mm). The pitch and number of second terminal receiving cavities 115 may be appropriately changed. A plurality of second terminals 161, which are terminals received in each of the second terminal receiving cavities 115 and attached to the second housing 111, are also arranged at similar pitches on both sides of the second protrusion 113.

[36] The second terminal 161 is a member formed integrally by performing processing such as punching and bending on a conductive metal plate, and is connected to the held unit 163 and the lower end of the held unit 163. Tail 162, an upper connection unit 167 connected to the upper end of the mounted unit 163, a second contact unit 166 connected to the lower end of the upper connection unit 167 and opposite to the mounted unit 163 ), a lower connection unit 164 connected to the lower end of the second contact unit 166, and an inner connection unit 165 connected to the end of the lower connection unit 164 on the opposite side of the second contact unit 166. do.

[37] The mounted unit 163 is fitted in the second terminal accommodating outer cavity 115b in a state extending in the fitting direction (Z-axis direction), that is, in the thickness direction of the second housing 111, and is mounted thereby. It's part. The tail portion 162 is bent and connected to the mounted unit 163, extends in the left and right direction (Y-axis direction), that is, outward in the width direction of the second housing 111, and is formed on the second substrate 198 by soldering or the like. ) is connected to a connection pad bonded to the conductive trace. Conductive traces are typically signal lines. The upper connection unit 167 is a curved portion that protrudes upward (in the negative Z-axis direction).

[38] The second contact unit 166 extending downward (positive Z-axis direction) is connected to the lower end of the upper connection unit 167 on the opposite side of the mounted unit 163. The upper connection unit 167 includes a protruding portion 167b that protrudes inward in the width direction of the second housing 111 from the lower end of the upper connection unit 167. The lower connection unit 164 is a portion comprising a substantially U-shaped side surface connected to the lower end of the second contact unit 166. A first contact unit 165a, curved by approximately 180 degrees, is connected to the upper end of the inner connection unit 165 so as to protrude upward and towards the second contact unit 166.

[39] The second terminal 161 is fitted into the second terminal receiving cavity 115 from the side of the mounting surface 111b, which is the lower surface (the surface in the positive Z-axis direction) of the second housing 111, and is mounted. The unit 163 is sandwiched from both sides by the side walls of the second terminal receiving outer cavity 115b formed on the side surface inside the side wall 114, whereby the second terminal 161 is attached to the second housing 111. It is fixed. In this state, that is, with the second terminal 161 mounted in the second housing 111, the first contact unit 165a and the second contact unit 166 are located on the right and left sides of the recess groove 112a. They are located on the sides and face each other. The second terminal 161 is a member formed integrally by processing a metal plate, and thus has a certain degree of elasticity. As is evident from the shape, the gap between the first contact unit 165a and the second contact unit 166 facing each other can be elastically varied. That is, when the first terminal 61 included in the first connector 1 is inserted between the first contact unit 165a and the second contact unit 166, the first contact unit 165a and the second contact unit 166 are connected to each other. The spacing between units 166 becomes elastically long.

[40] The second terminal 161 may be integrated with the second housing 111 by overmolding (insertion molding).

[41] As a fitting guide, the second protruding end portion 121 is disposed on each of both longitudinal sides of the second housing 111. Fitting recess 122 is formed as part of recess 112 in each second protruding end 121 . The fitting recess 122 is a substantially rectangular recess and is connected to both longitudinal ends of each recess groove 112a. With the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 fitted with each other, the first protruding end 22 included in the first connector 1 is inserted into the fitting recess 122.

[42] The second protruding end 121 is a side wall of the second protruding end 121 extending in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111 from both longitudinal ends of the side wall 114, and includes a side wall extension 121c, and a second protruding end 121c. 2 It includes an end wall 121b extending in the width direction of the housing 111, and both ends of the end wall 121b are connected to the side wall extension portion 121c. At each second protruding end 121, the end wall 121b and the side wall extension 121c connected to both ends of the end wall 121b form a continuous, substantially U-shaped side wall and a substantially rectangular side wall. Defines three sides of the in-fitting recess 122. In the end wall 121b, an outer end recess 123a is formed which is recessed into the outer surface, and an inner end recess 123b is formed which is recessed into the inner surface. An inner recess 123c recessed into the inner surface is formed in the side wall extension 121c. A slit-shaped intermediate recess 123d penetrating in the vertical direction is formed between the inner surface and the outer surface.

[43] A recessed island end recess 117a is formed on the longitudinal end face (the surface opposite to the end wall 121b) of the island end 117, which is the longitudinal end of the second protrusion 113. A slit-shaped island recess 117b penetrating in the vertical direction is formed at the boundary with the island end recess 117a in the upper surface of the island end 117.

[44] A second reinforcing metal fitting 151 is attached to the second protruding end 121 as a reinforcing metal fitting attached to the second housing 111 . The second reinforcing metal fitting 151 is a member formed integrally by performing processing such as punching or bending on a metal plate, and serves as a body covering the outer side of the end wall 121b of the second protruding end 121, and has an end wall A cover 157, a connection arm 153 connected to the left and right ends of the end wall cover 157, a lower surface cover 158 connected to the end wall cover 157 and covering the lower surface of the fitting recess 122. ), an island end cover 155 connected to a lower surface cover 158, and a pair of right and left contact arms 154.

[45] The second reinforcing metal fitting 151 can be pressed into and held by the second housing 111 . However, in this case, the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 and the second housing 111 will be described as members integrated with other members by overmolding (insertion molding). For this reason, the second reinforcing metal fittings 151, such as the outer end recess 123a, the inner end recess 123b, the middle recess 123d, the island end recess 117a and the island recess 117b. ) Each unit of the second housing 111 to which it is attached does not necessarily exist in the form shown in FIG. 5 while separated from the second reinforcing metal fitting 151. However, it should be noted that the drawing of Figure 5 is shown for convenience only.

[46] The end wall cover 157 includes an end wall upper cover 157a that extends in the width direction of the second housing 111 and covers most of the upper surface of the end wall 121b, and an end wall upper cover 157a at the end wall 157a. An end wall outer cover 157b extending downward from the outer end edge of 121b, and bent and connected to the lower end of the end wall outer cover 157b in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), i.e. the second housing ( It includes a tail portion 157c extending longitudinally outwardly of 111).

[47] The end wall upper cover 157a is a slanted portion extending diagonally downward from the upper end of the end wall 121b toward the fitting recess 122, and is positioned in the inner end recess 123b with the outer surface of the slanted portion exposed. ) is received within a portion near the upper end. Accordingly, the vicinity of the upper end of the inner surface on the longitudinal end side of the second housing 111 in the fitting recess 122 is an inclined surface covered with the end wall top cover 157a. Almost all of the outer end recess 123a of the end wall 121b is covered with the end wall outer cover 157b. The tail portion 157c is connected to a connection pad coupled to a conductive trace of the second substrate 198, such as by soldering. Conductive traces are typically power lines or ground lines.

[48] The connection arm 153 is a member bent and connected to each of both ends in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the end wall cover 157, and this member extends toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 111. . A substantially rectangular flat plate-shaped side plate 153b is formed at the tip of each connecting arm 153, and a side wall upper cover 153a is connected to the upper end of the side plate 153b.

[49] When the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 and the second housing 111 are integrated with each other, most of the connecting arm 153 is embedded in the second protruding end 121, and most of the side plate 153b is embedded in the side plate 153b. Most of (153b) is embedded in the side wall extension portion 121c in an attitude accommodated within the intermediate recess 123d formed in the side wall extension portion 121c. Accordingly, the outside or inside of the side plate 153b is covered with an insulating material such as synthetic resin that forms the second housing 111. A through hole 153d penetrating the side plate 153b in the plate pressure direction is formed in the side plate 153b, and the outer portion and inner portion of the side wall extension 121c are coupled to each other through the through hole 153d. . Accordingly, the side wall extension 121c is strongly integrated with the side plate 153b and exhibits high strength even when the width dimension is small and thin.

[50] The dimension in the fitting direction, i.e. in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) of the side plate 153b, is larger than the dimension of the side wall extension 121c, and the side wall near the upper end and the lower end of the side plate 153b It is exposed above and below the extension portion 121c. Preferably, the lower end surface of the side plate 153b is on the same plane as the lower surface of the tail 157c, abuts the surface of the second substrate 198, and is coupled to the power line or ground line by soldering or the like. connected to the connected pad. As a result, the strength of the side wall extension 121c and the side plate 153b integrated with each other is further improved.

[51] When the second reinforcing metal fitting 151 and the second housing 111 are integrated with each other, the portion near the tip of the island end cover 155 is the portion near the tip of the island end cover 155 is the island recess 117b. ) is buried in the second protrusion 113 in an attitude accommodated therein, and most of the island end cover 155 is exposed to the end of the second protrusion 113 to cover the entire island end recess 117a. As a result, the end of the second protrusion 113 is covered with the integrated island end cover 155, thereby ensuring that the end of the second protrusion 113 is protected. At both longitudinal ends of the second reinforcing metal fitting 151, the end wall cover 157 is integrated with the end wall 121b, and the island end cover 155 is integrated with the second protrusion 113, 2 The strength of the reinforcing metal fitting (151) is improved.

[52] Each of the pair of right and left contact arms 154 is a long plate member having a base end connected to a side edge of the lower surface of the lower surface cover 158 and is configured to have a substantially S-shape when viewed in the front-to-back direction. It is a curved elastic piece. The contact arm 154 is curved to protrude outward in the width direction of the second housing 111, and the vicinity of the tip of the contact arm 154 functions as a spring elastically displaceable in the width direction of the second housing 111. . Near the tip of the contact arm 154, the portion curved to protrude toward the center in the width direction of the second housing 111 is formed so that the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted with each other, thereby forming the first connector 111. The protruding end 22 comes into elastic contact with the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 of the first connector 1 when inserted into the fitting recess 122 .

[53] The connector assembly of Example 1 includes a first connector (1) and a protective member (91). The protection member 91 is a frame member that has a rectangular shape in plan view. As shown in Figure 6, the protective member 91 is a pair of parallel long sides extending linearly in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) and the first wall 91A and the transverse direction (Y-axis direction). and a second wall 91B as a pair of parallel short sides extending linearly, wherein opposite ends of each first wall 91A and opposite ends of each second wall 91B form a right angle. connected to form The four sides of the periphery of the receiving unit 97, which has a rectangular shape in plan view, are defined by the first wall 91A and the second wall 91B. The cross-sectional shape of the first wall 91A and the second wall 91B is substantially rectangular. The upper surface (positive Z-axis direction surface) of the first wall 91A and the second wall 91B is a flat surface opposite to the surface of the second substrate 198, and the substrate-side surface of the protective member 91 One of these constitutes the second substrate side surface 91a. The lower surface (negative Z-axis direction surface) of the first wall 91A and the second wall 91B is a flat surface opposite the surface of the first substrate 98 and the other substrate side of the protective member 91. The first substrate side surface 91b is formed as the surface. The side surfaces of the first wall 91A and the second wall 91B facing the receiving unit 97 are flat surfaces and constitute the inner surface 91c.

[54] The dimension in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the protection member 91, that is, the gap between the second substrate-side surface 91a and the first substrate-side surface 91b, is determined by the first connector 1 and the second connector. 101 is set to be smaller than the gap between the mounting surface 11b of the first housing 11 and the mounting surface 111b of the second housing 111 when they are fitted together as shown in FIG. 2. This can prevent the first connector 1 mounted on the surface of the first substrate 98 and the second connector 101 mounted on the surface of the second substrate 198 from being fitted together. let it be The dimension of the receiving unit 97 is set to be larger than the outer dimension of the second connector 101. As a result, the second connector 101 can be received within the receiving unit 97.

[55] The protective member 91 is a protective housing 92 as a protective member body integrally manufactured from an insulating material such as synthetic resin, and a protective metal fitting as a reinforcing metal fitting which is a member formed integrally with a conductive metal plate by punching, bending, etc. Includes (93). The protective metal fitting 93 includes a protective metal fitting right member 93A and a protective metal fitting left member 93B corresponding to the width direction right half and the width direction left half of the protection member 91, and the protection metal fitting right side member 93B. The member 93A and the protective metal fitting left member 93B have a shape symmetrical with respect to the X-Z plane passing through the center in the width direction of the protective member 91. For this reason, the protective metal fitting right member 93A and the protective metal fitting left member 93B are collectively described as protective metal fitting 93.

[56] The protective metal fitting 93 does not exist separately from the protective housing 92 because the protective metal fitting 93 is a member integrated with the protective housing 92 by overmolding (insertion molding). However, it should be noted that for convenience, the protective metal fitting 93 is shown in Figure 7 as separate from the protective housing 92. The strength of the protective member 91 is improved by including a protective metal fitting 93. The electrically conductive protective metal fitting 93 functions as an electromagnetic shield that enables improvement of the shielding properties of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 fitted together. The protective metal fitting 93 may be omitted if not required. However, in this case, only the protective element 91 comprising the protective metal fitting 93 will be described.

[57] The protective metal fitting 93 includes a belt frame 94 in the shape of a long belt, and a first wall coupling unit 95b and a second wall coupling unit 95a connected to the upper end of the belt frame 94. The belt frame 94 extends linearly in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) and has a first belt frame 94a disposed on the first wall 91A, and at both ends of the first belt frame 94a. It includes a second belt frame 94b connected and extending linearly in the width direction (Y-axis direction) and disposed on the second wall 91B. The second wall coupling unit 95a is connected to the upper end of the second belt frame 94b, and the first wall coupling unit 95b is connected to the upper end of the first belt frame 94a. A second wall tail 94c is connected to the lower end of the second belt frame 94b corresponding to a second wall engaging unit 95a in the second belt frame 94b, and the first wall extension 95c is A portion of the first wall coupling unit 95b is connected to the lower end of the first wall coupling unit 95b (in the example shown in the figure, the first wall coupling unit 95b is connected near both ends of the first belt frame 94a).

[58] The second wall coupling unit 95a has a shape curved by about 180 degrees to bulge upward (positive Z-axis direction), and at least a portion of the second wall coupling unit 95a is aligned with the second substrate side surface 91a. ), the inner surface 91c, and the joint portion between the second substrate side surface 91a and the inner surface 91c of the second wall 91B. The second wall embankment 94c has a shape curved at about 90 degrees such that the tip of the second wall embankment 94c is oriented outward in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), and the lower surface of the second wall embankment 94c At least a portion is exposed to the first substrate side surface 91b of the second wall 91B.

[59] The first wall coupling unit 95b has a shape curved by about 180 degrees to bulge upward, and at least a portion of the first wall coupling unit 95b includes the second substrate side surface 91a, the inner surface 91c, and a joint portion between the second substrate side surface 91a and the inner surface 91c of the first wall 91A. A coupling recess 95d recessed from the surface is formed as a coupling unit at the portions exposed to the inner surface 91c in the first wall coupling unit 95b. The first wall extension 95c has a shape curved at about 90 degrees such that the tip of the first wall extension 95c is oriented outward in the width direction (Y-axis direction), and the first wall extension 95c has a shape curved at about 90 degrees. At least a portion of the lower surface is exposed to the first substrate side surface 91b of the first wall 91A. The first wall extension 95c is used to position the protective metal fitting 93 when the protective member 91 is manufactured, and also functions as a reinforcement portion of the protective member 91. At least a portion of the first belt frame 94a is exposed to the outer surface 91d, which is a side surface of the first wall 91A on the side opposite to the inner surface 91c.

[60] In Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 3A, the protection member 91 is attached to the surface of the first substrate 98 on which the first connector 1 is mounted. In this case, the second wall tail 94c is connected to a connection pad bonded to a conductive trace of the first substrate 98, such as by soldering. Conductive traces are typically power lines or ground lines. In Embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 8, interposed so as to be interposed between the first connector 1 and the protective member 91 to control the positional relationship between the first connector 1 and the protective member 91. Member 81 is used.

[61] The intervening member 81 is a member formed integrally by performing processing such as punching or bending on a metal plate, and the intervening body 82 is a main body that is a rectangular flat plate, and the longitudinal direction (X- It includes a protection member mounting arm 83 and a connector mounting arm 84 extending outward in the width direction (Y-axis direction) from the left and right side edges extending in the axial direction. As long as the intervening member 81 can be interposed between the first connector 1 and the protective member 91 to control the positional relationship between the first connector 1 and the protective member 91, the intervening member 81 ) is not necessarily made of metal, but may be made of insulating materials such as rubber and synthetic resin, or a composite member formed by combining metal and insulating materials.

[62] The protective member mounting arm 83 is a long plate member, and the protective member mounting arm 83 is positioned at a position corresponding to the first wall coupling unit 95b of the protective metal fitting 93 included in the protective member 91. It is provided in the same number as one wall coupling unit 95b (in the example shown in the figure, there are six first wall coupling units 95b on the left and right sides respectively). A coupling protrusion 83a is formed within each protection member mounting arm 83 as a coupling unit projecting outward in the width direction. The engaging protrusion 83a extends horizontally outward in the width direction from the side end edge of the intervening body 82 and is then curved to be oriented obliquely downwardly outward, and the tip of the engaging protrusion 83a is oriented obliquely downwardly inward. It is curved so as to be oriented and protrudes outward in the width direction near the tip of the protection member mounting arm 83.

[63] The connector holding arm 84 is a long plate member, and the connector holding arm 84 is located on the right and left sides of the first protruding end 22 at both longitudinal ends of the first housing 11 of the first connector 1. A number equal to the number of outer sides on the right and left sides of the first protruding end 22 (in the example shown in the figure, there are two outer sides each on the right and left sides) is provided in corresponding positions on both the outer sides of the first protruding end 22. . A mounting protrusion 84a is formed as a holder within each connector mounting arm 84. The mounting protrusion 84a is curved and extended from the side end edge of the intervening member 82 to be oriented downwardly inward, and the tip of the mounting projection 84a is curved to be oriented downwardly outward, and the connector mounting arm 84 It bulges inward in the width direction near the tip.

[64] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first connector 1 and the protection member 91 may be temporarily, not permanently, coupled, and may be mounted integrally using the intervening member 81. That is, the intervening member 81 may function as a temporary holding member, and may temporarily hold the first connector 1 and the protective member 91 while coupling the first connector 1 and the protective member 91 to each other. You can.

[65] 8 and 9, each engaging protrusion 83a of the protection member mounting arm 83 of the intervening member 81 engages each first wall exposed to the inner surface 91c of the protection member 91. It is coupled to the coupling recess (95d) of the unit (95b). In this state, as shown in Figure 9b, the engaging protrusion 83a of the pair of left and right protection member mounting arms 83 is pressed against the inside in the width direction by the first wall engaging unit 95b. Then, the protection member holding arm 83 is elastically deformed and exerts a spring force, allowing the engaging protrusion 83a to reliably maintain its engagement state with the engaging recess 95d by the spring force.

[66] 8 and 9, each mounting protrusion 84a of the connector mounting arm 84 of the intervening member 81 is connected to the first protruding end 22 of the first housing 11 of the first connector 1. It comes into contact with the side cover 53 of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 attached to. In this state, as shown in FIG. 9C, the mounting protrusions 84a of the pair of left and right connector mounting arms 84 are pressed against the outer side in the width direction by the side cover 53, and the connector mounting arms 84 are pressed against the outer side in the width direction. The arm 84 is elastically deformed to exert a spring force, so that the mounting protrusion 84a holds the left and right side covers 53 of the first protruding end 22 from both the left and right sides by the spring force. Allows intervention. The lower surface of the intervening body 82 abuts or is opposed to the upper surface of the central cover 57 of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 .

[67] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first connector 1 and the protection member 91 have a positional relationship between the first connector 1 and the protection member 91 relative to the intervening member 81. While being kept constant, they are temporarily combined with each other and remain as one. Accordingly, in the state of FIGS. 8 and 9, the first connector 1 and the protection member 91, which are temporarily coupled to each other by the intervening member 81, are held by the operator's finger or a conveyance manipulator, Thereby, the first connector 1 and the protection member 91 are transferred and placed at a predetermined position on the surface of the first substrate 98 while maintaining their state. For example, the protective member 91 is held by the operator's finger, or the upper surface of the intervening body 82 of the intervening member 81 is sucked using a suction nozzle of the delivery manipulator, which ) so that the first connector 1 and the protection member 91, which are temporarily coupled to each other and integrated with each other, are delivered to a predetermined position on the surface of the first substrate 98.

[68] The first connector 1 and the protection member 91, which are temporarily coupled to each other and integrated with each other by the intervening member 81, are attached to a predetermined position on the surface of the first substrate 98 by a conventional surface mounting technique and It is installed. For example, paste-like solder is previously provided on the surface of the connection pad formed on the surface of the first substrate 98. When the first connector 1 and the protection member 91 temporarily coupled to each other by the intervening member 81 are disposed at a predetermined position on the surface of the first substrate 98, the paste-like solder is applied to the first terminal ( 61) on the tail 62, on the tail 57c of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51, on the lower end of the side cover 53 and on the second wall tail 94c of the protective metal fitting 93. Interposed between corresponding connecting pads. At this time, when the so-called solder reflow treatment is performed inside the heating furnace, the paste-like solder is melted to form the tail portion 62 of the first terminal 61 and the tail portion of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 ( 57c), the lower end of the side cover 53, the second wall tail 94c of the protective metal fitting 93, and the corresponding connecting pads are soldered, and the first connector 1 and the protective member 91 are soldered. ) is fixed to the surface of the first substrate 98 and mounted thereon.

[69] Subsequently, potting is preferably performed for waterproofing purposes. Specifically, a potting agent made of a resin such as urethane is applied to the surface of the first substrate 98 around the inside and outside of the protection member 91. After the potting agent is applied in a liquid state to the surface of the first substrate 98, a treatment such as heating is performed to harden the potting agent, and the first connector 1 mounted on the surface of the first substrate 98 and The protective member 91 is surrounded by a large amount of liquid potting agent. Therefore, even if a gap exists between the first substrate side surface 91b of the protection member 91 and the surface of the first substrate 98, the gap is blocked by the potting agent, thereby forming the first substrate ( Within the housing unit 97 of the protection member 91 attached to the surface of the protection member 98, airtightness or watertightness is maintained with respect to the environment of the surface of the first substrate 98 outside the protection member 91.

[70] Subsequently, when the intervening member 81 is removed from the first connector 1 and the protective member 91 attached to the surface of the first substrate 98, the intervening member 81 mounted on the front surface of the first substrate 98 The first connector 1 can be obtained in a state accommodated within the receiving unit 97 of the protection member 91, as shown in FIG. 3A. Within the accommodation unit 97, a second connector accommodation space 97a, which is a predetermined space, is formed between the peripheral portion of the first connector 1 and the protection member 91. Intervening members 81 may be removed prior to potting.

[71] Subsequently, the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted together. In this case, the tail portion 162 of the second terminal 161, the lower end of the side plate 153b of the second reinforcing metal fitting 151, and the end wall cover 157 of the second reinforcing metal fitting 151. The tail 157c is soldered to a connection pad formed on the surface of the second substrate 198, and the second connector 101 is surface mounted on the second substrate 198 as shown in FIG. 3B. It is assumed. Preferably, adhesive is applied to the surface of the second substrate 198 around the second connector 101. Specifically, an adhesive made of UV curable or thermosetting resin is positioned around the second connector 101 on the surface of the second substrate 198 and opposed to the second substrate side surface 91a of the protective member 91. It is continuously applied to the portion surrounding the second connector 101.

[72] The operator places the fitting surface 11a of the first housing 11 of the first connector 1 against the fitting surface 111a of the second housing 111 of the second connector 101, ) matches the position of the second protrusion 113 with the position of the corresponding recess groove 13 of the first connector 1, and matches the position of the first protruding end 22 of the first connector 1. 2 Match the position of the corresponding fitting recess 122 of the connector 101, thereby completing the positioning of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101.

[73] At this time, when the first connector 1 and/or the second connector 101 are moved in a direction approaching the opposing side, that is, in the fitting direction (Z-axis direction), the second connector 101 2 The position of the protrusion 113 is inserted into the corresponding recess groove 13 of the first connector 1, and the position of the first protruding end 22 of the first connector 1 is positioned in the second connector 101. is inserted into the corresponding fitting recess 122, and the side wall 114 and the second protruding end 121 of the second connector 101 are inserted into the second connector receiving space 97a around the first connector 1. is inserted. As a result, when the fit between the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 is completed, the first terminal 61 and the second terminal 161 are in a conducting state.

[74] Additionally, in order to cure the adhesive between the surface of the second substrate 198 around the second connector 101 and the second substrate side surface 91a of the protective member 91, heating, ultraviolet irradiation, and pressure are applied. The same processing is performed. As a result, even if a gap exists between the second substrate-side surface 91a of the protection member 91 and the surface of the second substrate 198, the gap is blocked by the adhesive, thereby preventing the second substrate 198 from forming. Within the receiving unit 97 of the protection member 91 opposite the surface, airtightness or watertightness is maintained with respect to the environment of the surface of the second substrate 198 outside the protection member 91.

[75] Accordingly, in the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 fitted together, both surfaces in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) are closed by the first substrate 98 and the second substrate 198. All side surfaces in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) and the width direction (Y-axis direction) are closed by the protective member 91, and the surfaces of the first substrate 98 and the second substrate 198 The space between the first substrate side surface 91b and the second substrate side surface 91a of the overprotection member 91 is blocked by a potting agent and adhesive to effectively protect against intrusion of foreign substances such as moisture or dust. Maintains high airtightness or watertightness with respect to the surrounding environment.

[76] Accordingly, in Example 1, the connector assembly includes a first housing (11), a first terminal (61) attached to the first housing (11), and a first reinforcing metal fitting (51) attached to the first housing (11). ) and a first connector 1 attachable to the surface of the first substrate 98; a pair of parallel first walls 91A extending longitudinally of the first housing 11; a pair of parallel second walls 91B extending in the width direction of the first housing 11 and connected to both ends of the pair of parallel first walls 91A; and a receiving unit 97 whose four sides are defined by a first wall 91A and a second wall 91B, with the first connector 1 received within the receiving unit 97 and a first substrate. Attachable to the surface of (98), capable of being coupled to the first connector (1) while the first connector (1) is received in the receiving unit (97) and disposed on the surface of the first substrate (98) It includes a protective member 91 that is present.

[77] As a result, although the connector assembly has a simple structure, the connector assembly can be easily and reliably attached to the surface of the first substrate 98, and high airtightness or watertightness can be reliably maintained to improve reliability.

[78] Additionally, the protective member 91 includes a protective housing 92 made of an insulating material, and a protective metal fitting 93 made of a conductive metal formed integrally with the protective housing 92. Accordingly, the strength of the protective member 91 is improved and the protective metal fitting 93 functions as an electromagnetic shield, allowing the shielding characteristics of the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 to be improved.

[79] Additionally, the connector assembly further includes an intervening member 81 sandwiched between the first connector 1 and the protective member 91, wherein the intervening member 81 is positioned between the first connector 1 and the protective member 91. ) The first connector 1 and the protection member 91 can be coupled to each other while maintaining a constant positional relationship between them. Additionally, the intervening member 81 includes an intervening body 82, and a protection member mounting arm 83 and a connector mounting arm 84 extending from the intervening body 82, and the protective member mounting arm 83 is It includes a coupling protrusion 83a that engages the protection member 91, and the connector mounting arm 84 includes a mounting protrusion 84a that mounts the first reinforcing metal fitting 51. Additionally, the connector pair includes a connector assembly and a second connector (101) fitted to the first connector (1). Additionally, the second connector 101 is fixed to the surface of the first substrate 98 after the first connector 1 and the protection member 91 are coupled to each other and disposed on the surface of the first substrate 98. It can be fitted into the first connector (1) in the configured state.

[80] Next, Example 2 will be described. It should be noted that for those having the same structure as that of Example 1, their description is omitted by assigning the same reference numerals to them. Furthermore, descriptions of operations and effects identical to those of Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[81] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the protection member according to Example 2, Figure 12 is an exploded view showing the protection member according to Example 2, Figure 13 is a four-plane view showing the protection member according to Example 2, Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the protection member is temporarily held by the first connector in Example 2, Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the first connector and the second connector fitted with each other in Example 2, and Figures 2 and It is a cross-sectional view showing the same part, FIG. 13A is a top view, FIG. 13B is a side view, FIG. 13C is a bottom view, and FIG. 13D is a rear view.

[82] In Example 2, the protective member 91 includes a hot-melt unit 96 within a portion of the protective housing 92 as a protective member body integrally manufactured from an insulating material such as synthetic resin. For example, hot melt unit 96 is a portion made of a hot melt material similar to materials referred to as hot melt adhesives made of thermoplastic resins such as ethylene vinyl acetate. The hot melt unit 96 melts when heated to about 80° C. to about 100° C. to exhibit adhesive properties. The portion of the protective housing 92 other than the hot melt unit 96 is a non-hot melt unit 92a made of a material such as a liquid crystal polymer with a higher melting temperature. The protective member 91 is a member in which the non-hot melt unit 92a and the hot melt unit 96 are integrally formed by a resin molding method such as so-called two-color molding.

[83] In the example shown in the figure, the hot melt unit 96 is disposed on the outer peripheral side at the lower end (negative Z-axis direction end) of the protective housing 92, and the first substrate side surface of the protective member 91 ( 91b) and the outer surface 91d. That is, the hot melt unit 96 is formed to continuously surround the lower end (the end on the first substrate side surface 91b side) of the outer surface 91d of the protection member 91.

[84] In Example 2, the hot melt adhesive constituting the hot melt unit 96 attaches the first connector 1 and the protection member 91, integrated with each other by the intervening member 81, to the first substrate by a conventional surface mounting technique. When mounted on the surface of (98), it is melted together with the solder when a solder reflow treatment, which is a heat treatment, is performed. The molten hot melt adhesive closes the gap between the first substrate side surface 91b of the protective member 91 and the surface of the first substrate 98, the lower end of the outer surface 91d of the protective member 91, and It covers the surface of the first substrate 98 near the lower end of the outer surface 91d of the protective member 91, and is solidified and adhered by reducing the temperature.

As a result, within the housing unit 97 of the protection member 91 attached to the surface of the first substrate 98, the surface of the first substrate 98 outside the protection member 91 is airtight or watertight to the environment. This is maintained. No porting is necessary.

[85] The construction and operation of other components such as the first connector 1, the second connector 101, the protective member 91, and the intervening member 81 of Embodiment 2 are the same as those of Embodiment 1, and the description thereof It should be noted that will be omitted.

[86] As described above, in Example 2, the protective member 91 includes a first substrate side surface 91a opposite to the surface of the first substrate 98 and a hot melt unit 96 made of a hot melt material, At least a portion of the hot melt unit 96 is exposed to the first substrate side surface 91a. As a result, the hot melt material is melted and the surface of the first substrate 98 and the protective member ( By blocking the gap between the first substrate side surface 91b of the first substrate 91), within the receiving unit 97 of the protection member 91 attached to the surface of the first substrate 98, the outer side of the protection member 91 The airtightness or watertightness of the surface of the first substrate 98 is maintained with respect to the environment.

[87] Example 3 will be described below. It should be noted that for those having the same structure as that of Example 1 and Example 2, their description is omitted by assigning the same reference numerals to them. Furthermore, descriptions of operations and effects identical to those of Example 1 and Example 2 will be omitted.

[88] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the first connector and the second connector mounted on the boards in Example 3, FIG. 17 is an exploded view showing the first connector in Example 3, and FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the first connector in Example 3. 2 is an exploded view showing the connector, Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the protection member of Example 3, Figure 20 is an exploded view showing the protection member of Example 3, and Figure 21 is an exploded view showing the protection member of Example 3. This is a two-plane drawing showing a state in which it is temporarily held by a connector. FIG. 16A is a diagram showing a second connector mounted on a board, and FIG. 16B is a diagram showing a first connector mounted on a board. FIG. 19A is a view showing the protection member viewed obliquely from above, and FIG. 19B is a view showing the protection member viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 21A is a plan view, and FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 21A.

[89] While the connector assemblies of Examples 1 and 2 include a first connector (1) and a protective member (91), the connector assembly of Example 3 includes a second connector (101) and a protective member (91). .

[90] In Examples 1 and 2, the protection member 91 is temporarily coupled to the first connector 1 by the intervening member 81 and is attached to the surface of the first substrate 98 together with the first connector 1. An attached example is explained. In contrast, in Embodiment 3, the protection member 91 is coupled to the second connector 101 without intervening member 81, and is attached to the surface of the second substrate 198 together with the second connector 101. It is attached.

[91] In Example 3, similar to Example 2, the protective member 91 includes a hot melt unit 96 within a portion of the protective housing 92 as a protective member body integrally made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The hot melt unit 96 is a part made of a hot melt material and melts when heated to about 80° C. to about 100° C. to exhibit adhesive properties, and parts other than the hot melt unit 96 in the protective housing 92 melt at a higher temperature. It is a non-hot melt unit 92a having a temperature, and the protective member 91 is a member in which the non-hot melt unit 92a and the hot melt unit 96 are integrally formed by a resin molding method such as so-called two-color molding. .

[92] In Example 2, the hot melt unit 96 is disposed on the outer peripheral side at the end (negative Z-axis direction end) on the first substrate side surface 91b side within the protective housing 92, and is disposed on the outer peripheral side within the protective member 91. It is exposed to the first substrate side surface 91b and the outer surface 91d, and is formed to continuously surround the end of the outer surface 91d within the protection member 91 on the first substrate side surface 91b side. In contrast, the hot melt unit 96 of Example 3 is disposed on the outer peripheral side at the end (positive Z-axis direction end) on the second substrate side surface 91a side within the protective housing 92, and the protective member 91 ), and is formed to continuously surround the end of the outer surface 91d within the protection member 91 on the second substrate side surface 91a side.

[93] End wall protrusions 91e and end wall eaves 91f projecting toward the center in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the protection member 91 are formed on the second wall 91B of the protection member 91. It is provided on the inner surface 91c of. The end wall protrusion 91e is a protruding portion formed integrally with the non-hot melt unit 92a of the protective housing 92, and the tip of the end wall protrusion 91e is connected to the second protruding end 121 of the second connector 101. ), and more specifically, elastically abuts the outer surface of the end wall outer cover 157b.

[94] A protrusion 94d protruding toward the center in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the protection member 91 is formed on the first belt frame 94a of the belt frame 94. The protrusion 94d is a cut-and-raised piece formed to extend obliquely upward (in the direction of the first substrate side surface 91b, negative Z-axis direction) from the first belt frame 94a. ), and protrudes from the inner surface 91c of the first wall 91A of the protection member 91 toward the center in the width direction of the protection member 91, and the tip of the protrusion 94d is connected to the second connector 101. It penetrates into and engages with the outer surface of the side wall of the second protruding end 121, that is, the outer surface of the side wall extension 121c.

[95] As described above, since the intervening member 81 is not used in Embodiment 3, the shape of each unit of the protective metal fitting 93 is also partially different from the shapes of Embodiments 1 and 2. First, in Examples 1 and 2, the first wall coupling unit 95b and the second wall coupling unit 95a are connected to an end (positive Z-) on the second substrate side surface 91a within the belt frame 94. connected to the axial end). On the other hand, in Embodiment 3, the first wall coupling unit 95b and the second wall coupling unit 95a are disposed at an end (negative Z-axis direction) on the side of the first substrate side surface 91b in the belt frame 94. is connected to the end of). In Examples 1 and 2, the first wall coupling unit 95b and the second wall coupling unit 95a are rotated by about 180 degrees so as to bulge in the direction toward the first substrate side surface 91b (positive Z-axis direction). It has a shape curved by degrees. On the other hand, in Example 3, the first wall coupling unit 95b and the second wall coupling unit 95a are such that the tips of the first wall coupling unit 95b and the second wall coupling unit 95a are protected by a protective member ( 91) has a shape curved by about 90 degrees to be oriented outward in the width direction (Y-axis direction) and outward in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction).

Additionally, the first wall extension 95c, second wall tail 94c, and joining recess 95d present in Examples 1 and 2 are omitted in Example 3.

[96] In Embodiment 3, as shown in FIG. 21, the second connector 101 and the protection member 91 can be temporarily coupled and mounted without using the intervening member 81. That is, the second connector 101 and the protection member 91 can be integrated and temporarily mounted without using the intervening member 81. Preferably, after the mounting surface 111b of the second housing 111 of the second connector 101 and the first substrate side surface 91b of the protection member 91 are opposed to each other, the second connector 101 and/or the protection member 91 is moved in a direction approaching the opposing side, and the second connector 101 is inserted into the receiving unit 97 of the protection member 91 from the first substrate side surface 91b side. do. As a result, the tip of the protrusion 94d extending toward the direction of the first substrate side surface 91b is a sidewall extension on both the left and right sides of the second protruding end 121 of the second connector 101. By digging into the outer surface of 121c and engaging with it, the second connector 101 and the protective member 91 are coupled to each other.

With respect to the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the second connector 101 and the protective member 91, the tip of the end wall protrusion 91e is located at the end wall in the second protruding end 121 of the second connector 101. It elastically contacts the outer surface of the outer cover 157b, so that the positional relationship between the second connector 101 and the protection member 91 is maintained constant.

[97] The second connector 101 and the protection member 91 coupled and integrated in this way can be held by the operator's finger or a transfer manipulator, whereby the second connector 101 and the protection member 91 are It is transferred to a predetermined position on the surface of the second substrate 198 while maintaining its state. The second connector 101 and the protection member 91 are mounted at predetermined positions on the surface of the second substrate 198 by conventional surface mounting techniques. At this time, when solder reflow treatment is performed, the hot melt adhesive constituting the hot melt unit 96 is melted together with the solder. The molten hot melt adhesive closes the gap between the second substrate side surface 91a of the protective member 91 and the surface of the second substrate 198, and the second substrate of the outer surface 91d within the protective member 91. The surface of the second substrate 198 near the (91a) side end and the second substrate side surface 91d of the outer surface 91d within the protective member 91 is covered, and solidified and adhered by reducing the temperature.

As a result, within the receiving unit 97 of the protective member 91 mounted on the surface of the second substrate 198, the surface of the second substrate 198 outside the protective member 91 is airtight or Watertightness is maintained. No porting is necessary.

[98] Subsequently, the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted together. In this case, the tail 62 of the first terminal 61, the lower end of the side cover 53 of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51 and the tail of the central cover 57 of the first reinforcing metal fitting 51. 57c is soldered to a connection pad formed on the surface of the first substrate 92, and the first connector 1 is surface mounted on the first substrate 98 as shown in FIG. 16B. Preferably, adhesive is applied to the surface of the first substrate 98 around the first connector 1. Specifically, an adhesive made of UV curable or thermosetting resin is positioned around the first connector 1 on the surface of the first substrate 98 and opposed to the first substrate side surface 91b of the protective member 91. It is continuously applied to the portion surrounding the first connector 1.

[99] It should be noted that other operations for fitting the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 together are substantially the same as those in Embodiment 1, and their description will be omitted.

[100] After the first connector 1 and the second connector 101 are fitted with each other, the surface of the first substrate 98 around the first connector 1 and the first substrate side surface 91b of the protection member 91 To cure the adhesive between the adhesives, treatments such as heating, ultraviolet irradiation, and applying pressure are performed. As a result, even if a gap exists between the first substrate-side surface 91b of the protection member 91 and the surface of the first substrate 98, the gap is blocked by the adhesive, thereby preventing the first substrate 98 from forming. Within the receiving unit 97 of the protective member 91 opposite the surface, airtightness or watertightness is maintained with respect to the environment of the surface of the first substrate 98 outside the protective member 91.

[101] The configuration and operation of other components such as the first connector 1, the second connector 101, and the protection member 91 of Example 3 are the same as those of Examples 1 and 2, and their description is omitted. It should be noted that this will happen.

[102] As described above, in Embodiment 3, the protective member 91 includes a protrusion 94d exposed on the inner surface 91c of the receiving unit 97, and the second connector 101 and the protective member 91 Can be coupled to each other by coupling the protrusion 94d with the second housing 111. As a result, the intervening member 81 can be omitted.

[103] It should be noted that the disclosure herein describes features pertaining to suitable exemplary embodiments. Various other embodiments, modifications, and variations within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto will occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the disclosure herein.

[104] The present invention can be applied to connector assemblies.

[105]
1 1st connector
11 First housing
11a, 111a fitting surface
11b, 111b mounting surface
12 first protrusion
13, 112a recess groove
22 first protruding end
51 First reinforcing metal fitting
53 side cover
57 center cover
57a Protruding end upper cover
57b connection cover
57c, 62, 157c, 162 empennage
61 1st terminal
64 connection unit
64b, 167b protruding part
65, 165a first contact unit
66, 166 second contact unit
81 Intervening absence
82 intervening body
83 Protection member holding arm
83a coupling protrusion
84 connector mounting arm
84a mounting protrusion
91, 891 absence of protection
91a second substrate side surface
91A first wall
91b first substrate side surface
91B 2nd wall
91c medial surface
91d outer surface
91e end wall protrusion
91f end wall eaves
92 protective housing
92a non-hot melt unit
93 protective metal fittings
93A protective metal fitting right member
93B Protective metal fitting left member
94 belt frame
94a first belt frame
94b 2nd belt frame
94c second wall empennage
94d, 892 protrusion
95a second wall coupling unit
95b first wall coupling unit
95c first wall extension
95d combined recess
96 hot melt unit
97 accommodation units
97a second connector accommodation space
98 first substrate
101 2nd connector
111 second housing
112 recess
113 second protrusion
114 side wall
115 second terminal receiving cavity
115a second terminal receiving inner cavity
115b second terminal receiving outer cavity
117 Island End
117a island end recess
117b Island Recess
118 lower plate
121 second protruding end
121b end wall
121c side wall extension
122 fitting recess
123a external end recess
123b internal end recess
123c inner recess
123d middle recess
151 Second reinforcing metal fitting
153 connection arm
153a side wall top cover
153b side plate
153d through hole
154 contact arm
155 island end cover
157 End wall covers
157a end wall top cover
157b End wall external cover
158 lower surface cover
161 2nd terminal
163 Mounted unit
164 lower connection unit
165 inner connection unit
167 Upper connection unit
198 second substrate
801 receptacle connector
811 housing
861 terminal
893 lower attachment surface
894 upper attachment surface
895 opening part

Claims (9)

A connector assembly, comprising a connector set and a protective member,
(a) The connector set is,
a first connector including a first connector body, a first terminal attached to the first connector body, and a first reinforcing metal fitting attached to the first connector body, and attached to a surface of a first substrate; and
A second connector comprising a second connector body, a second terminal attached to the second connector body, and a second reinforcing metal fitting attached to the second connector body and attached to the surface of the second substrate. do,
(b) the protection member includes a pair of parallel first walls extending in the longitudinal direction of the first connector body, both ends of each of the pair of first walls extending in the width direction of the first connector body a pair of parallel second walls connected to and four sides of the periphery comprising a receiving unit defined by the first wall and the second wall,
The first connector and the protective member are integrated with each other, the first connector and the protective member are fixed to the surface of the first substrate and mounted thereon, and the potting agent is first applied around the inner and outer peripheries of the protective member. applied to the surface of the substrate;
(c) the first connector and the second connector are fixed to each other, the second connector is mounted on the surface of the second board, and adhesive is applied to a portion located around the second connector on the surface of the second board. Applied connector assembly. A connector assembly, comprising:
(a) a connector including a connector body, a terminal attached to the connector body, and a reinforcing metal fitting attached to the connector body, and attached to the surface of a substrate; and
(b) a pair of parallel first walls extending in the longitudinal direction of the connector body, a pair of parallel first walls extending in the width direction of the connector body and connected to opposite ends of each of the pair of first walls. a protective member attachable to a surface of the substrate with second walls, and four sides of the perimeter comprising a receiving unit defined by the first wall and the second wall, the connector being received within the receiving unit; Contains;
(c) the protection member is disposed on the surface of the substrate while being coupled with the connector while the connector is accommodated in the receiving unit,
The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the protective member includes a hot-melt unit formed of a hot-melt material and a substrate-side surface opposite the surface of the substrate, wherein at least a portion of the hot-melt unit is exposed to the substrate-side surface. 3. A connector assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protective member includes a protective member body made of an insulating material and a protective metal fitting made of a conductive metal formed integrally with the protective member body. The method of claim 3, wherein the protective metal fitting includes a protective metal fitting right member and a protective metal fitting left member corresponding to a right half in the width direction and a left half in the width direction of the protection member, and the protective metal fitting right member and the protective metal fitting left member. A connector assembly, wherein the protective metal fitting left member has a shape symmetrical about a plane passing through the center in the width direction of the protective member. The connector assembly of claim 3, wherein the protective metal fitting includes a belt frame in the shape of an elongated belt, and a first wall engaging unit and a second wall engaging unit connected to an upper end of the belt frame. The method of claim 5, wherein the belt frame includes a first belt frame extending linearly in the longitudinal direction, and a second belt frame connected to both ends of the first belt frame and extending linearly in the width direction, The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the second wall coupling unit is coupled to an upper end of the second belt frame, and the first wall coupling unit is coupled to an upper end of the first belt frame. The connector assembly of claim 5, wherein the first wall engaging unit has a shape curved by approximately 180 degrees and the second wall engaging unit has a shape curved by approximately 180 degrees. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an interposing member interposed between the connector and the protective member, wherein the interposing member maintains a constant positional relationship between the connector and the protective member. A connector assembly that couples the connector and the protective member to each other. The method of claim 8, wherein the intervening member includes a main body, a protection member mounting arm extending from the main body, and a connector mounting arm, and the protection member mounting arm includes a coupling unit coupled to the protection member, and the connector. A connector assembly, wherein the mounting arm includes a holder for mounting the reinforcing metal fitting.